New Britain Alderman John McNamara

Education Funding, Traffic/Safety Concerns Raised at Mayor’s Ward 4 Meeting

Mayor Bobby Sanchez took his first-year listening tour to Ward 4 on June 27 where residents shared concerns on speeding, traffic enforcement, public safety and support for schools in a wide-ranging, two-hour discussion.

The meeting held at Saint Francis Church Hall drew more than 30 persons with the mayor and other officials. Joining Sanchez were State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-25), Alderwoman Luz Otiz-Luna (D-4), Alderman John McNamara (D-4), Police Chief Matt Marino and Suzanne Bielinski, Chair of the city’s Police Commission.

Ward 4 Common Council Update – July 2026

Residents cited excessive speeding “day and night” on the roads, ignoring stop signs and groups of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes and mini motorcycles. Mentioned as trouble spots were Carlton Street, Farmington Avenue, Country Club and Alexander Roads, among others, in Ward 4.

Mayor Sanchez and Chief Marino urged residents to contact the New Britain Police Department (NBPD) about incidents and “hot spots” that have been the subject of Common Council petitions. Officials said it is important to report when and where incidents are occurring. “You just have to keep letting us know,” said Chief Marino. “The more you call the more it helps,” said Rep. DeFronzo.

The NBPD Traffic Division may be reached at 860-826-3070 or by contacting Sgt. Adam Capowski, adam.capowski@newbritainct.gov. A new “community tip line” is also available for reporting crime information anonymously at 860-826-3199.

To reduce speeding the Sanchez Administration is moving ahead in two ways:

Removable speed humps will be introduced on a trial basis in city parks, according to Sanchez. “I would like to hear from the community where residents would like to see speed humps.” (Following the Ward 4 meeting Sanchez announced humps will get a tryout on park roads).

The City awaits CT Department of Transportation’s (DOT) approval to introduce ATESD traffic cameras (Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices) in school zones as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan to reduce auto and pedestrian accidents. Last January, the Common Council adopted an automated camera implementation plan to submit to the state. Possible locations for speed enforcement cameras in Ward 4 include Alexander Road, Barbour Road, Blake Road and Farmington Avenue near Pulaski Middle School.

Sanchez agreed that more police officers are needed for enforcement throughout the city in response to questions on staffing levels at NBPD. Recent transfers and retirements require new hires this year and the application for entry-level patrol officers is currently available. Chief Marino said it takes just under a year for qualified candidates to join the force. The starting salary is $58,873 annually.

Chief Marino and Rep. DeFronzo, saying combining resources among schools and organizations can help, pointed to the value of school partnerships to engage middle- and high school students as part of juvenile diversion strategies. Extra-curricular activities will head off negative behaviors in and out of school, they said, citing programs such as ROOTS youth agriculture and nutrition program and police-led “new age” D.A.R.E. programs.

On the recently adopted municipal budget and support for education for the fiscal year that began July 1, Mayor Sanchez said his efforts with the city’s legislative delegation succeeded in New Britain obtaining a $13.3 million increase in state school aid to avert teacher layoffs and program cuts.

The municipal budget of $286,164,960 that holds the property tax mill rate at 39.18 includes the one-time $13.3 million in state school aid and $4.6 million in additional state aid to municipal government. The budget includes a $1 million increase in local school aid also known as the minimum basic requirement (MBR) and $450,000 more for schools in savings from the self-insurance fund. Over the last 12 years the MBR has for the most part been flat, a factor in New Britain’s low ranking in local aid that contributed to the growing funding gap this year.

To give public schools sustainable sources of funding and avert double-digit funding shortfalls, Sanchez and other officials said they will push for an increase in the state’s Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) formula that fell short in the budget adjustments made this year. The General Assembly is expected to take up a change in ECS grants to increase the current $11,525 per student allocation that has not been increased since 2013.

Mayor’s Listening Tour In Ward 4, Saturday, June 27

Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D- New Britain) brings his Listening Tour to Ward 4, Saturday, June 27th, at 10 a.m. to hear from residents about neighborhood issues and municipal services.

The meeting will be held at Saint Francis Church, 1755 Stanley Street.

Sanchez is expected to be joined by other elected officials including State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-26) and Ward 4 Alderpersons Luz Ortiz-Luna and John McNamara.

The Ward 4 meetings is one of a series of ward and neighborhood meetings Mayor Sanchez is holding in his first year.

City Updates Purchasing and Bid Policy for First Time in 11 Years

New Britain Common Council Update

Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000.

The revision exempting purchases and contracting under $25,000 aligns with Connecticut statutes governing municipal finance allowing cities and towns to establish bidding policies through charter or ordinances. The state upped the statutory exemption to $50,000 in 2024. However, $25,000 is more commonly used in CT cities, New Britain joins Hartford, New Haven, Norwich and Middletown and others that set the exemption at $25,000 before the bid process begins.

The Common Council last raised the exemption in 2015 from $3,000 to $7,500. Since that time overall prices for goods and services have increased 41 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing an average of more than three percent per year.

For all purchases and contracts over $25,000 open, competitive bidding will be required by “a formal, written contract from the lowest responsible bidder” subject to approval by the Common Council. Under the ordinance the Common Council receives monthly reports of all purchases between $500 and $25,000 with the name of the vendor, owners and the “dollar amount spent on each individual purchase and the aggregate total for the fiscal year.”

Municipal departments and the School District will be able to address needs for repairs, equipment and services more efficiently by obtaining, for example, quotes from qualified vendors without turning to a full bidding process for purchases under $25,000, according to city officials,

The ordinance change is expected to end an on-call vendor list created and used during the Stewart Administration that allowed up to $100,000 in expenditures for a range of trade work, acquisitions and services without competitive bidding. In April, 2025 Common Council Democrats pushed back on the $100,000 threshold for on-call work, reducing the amount to $37,500 in an amended resolution . The $37,500 exemption expires on June 30th at the end of the fiscal year, and the $25,000 threshold will now apply uniformly for addressing electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, building envelope, masonry, and interior repairs and supplies for city and school buildings in a timely manner.

In other Council actions on June 10th

Downtown Tax District Mill Rate Set at 2.75 for 2027 Fiscal Year

The Common Council approved a flat mill rate of 2.75 mills for the city’s Downtown District (NBDD) in support of the district’s $308,728 budget for the new fiscal year that was approved by the District’s Board of Commissioners in May. Approximately 100 property owners will pay the 2.75 mill rate tax that is expected to raise $243,028 in fiscal year 2027. The NBDD is a quasi-public entity that operates apart from municipal government.

The Downtown District was established in 1983 under state law allowing special tax districts over and above municipal property taxes with boundaries limited to the immediate downtown area or other areas cities can designate for improvement and economic development. In addition to marketing downtown the NBDD sponsors a “Clean & Safe Ambassador Program”, a retail improvement program and special events.

Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield Picked Again for Next Property Revaluation

The Common Council approved a new contract for Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield (Munival) for the city’s next property revaluation The firm, which has conducted re-assessments in New Britain previously and performs the services in other CT municipalities, will re-appraise all taxable and exempt real property for tax purposes and set new values by October 1, 2027.

Munival responded successfully to the request for proposals to perform the work with the City Assessor that is required under state law every five years with approval of a $250,000. Costs for the revaluation will be spread over two fiscal years.

Flag Raising, Resolution Marks Pride Month

New Britain recognized “Pride in the City” month with a flag raising at Central Park led by Mayor Bobby Sanchez and State Treasurer Erick Russell and a June 10th Common Council resolution acknowledging the importance of treating all residents with
dignity, fairness, civility, and mutual respect” and recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+), and allied residents, families, workers, business owners, public servants, educators, volunteers, and community members have contributed to the civic, economic, cultural, and social life of New Britain.”

This update provided by John McNamara, a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john,mcnamara@newbritainct.gov

Statement Opposing Fienemann Road Travel Center Near Batterson Park

New Britain Alderpersons Oppose Fienemann Road Travel Center on Farmington Wetlands Parcel Near Batterson Pond

New Britain Alderpersons representing neighborhoods near a proposed travel center and diesel-gas facility on wetlands near Batterson Pond are opposing the project under consideration by Farmington’s Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission.

“We oppose the application of Noble Gas Real Estate Holdings on 8261 Fienemann Road,” Ward 4 and Ward 5 alders,” said in a joint statement submitted to the Farmington commission at a June 3^rd public hearing, the fourth hearing the Commission has held on the application.

“The use of a portion of 86 acres of watershed land at the New Britain-Farmington town line poses significant environmental risks in the Batterson Pond area at the same time Farmington, Hartford and New Britain have come together for the restoration of Batterson Park as a public park and recreation area.”

Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5), Council Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4), Alderwoman Luz Ortiz-Luna (D-4) and Roy Centeno (D-5) issued the statement as the Farmington wetlands commission continued the hearing to June 17 when the application could be decided. A July 27^th hearing has been scheduled by the town Plan and Zoning Commission to consider a variance to allow the Noble Gas project in a wooded area that is zoned residential by the town and that is owned by the City of Hartford’s Municipal Employees Retirement Fund (MERF) and previously was held in a protected park trust by the City of Hartford.

*Aerial view of site at Fienemann Road and Slater Road.*

The Alderpersons’ statement continued:

“While infiltration systems have been proposed to prevent harmful run-offs from the newly created impervious surface being created by the project, they do not mitigate the risk We agree with the intervenor’s documentation and analysis of that risk, including pollution risks to sensitive plants and animals, an insufficient buffer between the impervious surface and wetlands and the threat of hydrocarbon contamination,

The site plan requires linkage to New Britain’s sewage and water system across the town line and includes an access road on Slater Road near a densely populated residential area, elementary and middle schools and the Batterson Pond boat landing on Alexander Road. This represents an unacceptable encroachment into a neighborhood zoned for homes and residences. Making an exception for the project on Farmington land contradicts New Britain’s policy on neighborhood preservation and conservation in an area contiguous with the project site.

The zoning variances requested in the application would set a precedent for further intrusions into parcels not appropriate for industrial uses. Based on both Farmington’s and New Britain’s Plans of Conservation and Development the proposed travel center at Fienemann Road is an unwise development and not in the best interests of either community.”

DPW Picks Streets for Re-Paving This Summer

Governor Street, McKinley Drive, Eastwick Court and Eastwick Road to Get New Surfaces In Ward 4

All or portions of 23 streets in the city have been selected for the 2026 re-paving program this summer by the Department of Public Works.

Ward 4 streets selected for milling and new pavements include Governor Street, McKinley Drive, Eastwick Court and Eastwick Road. The Ward 4 streets are where the Outlook/McKinley Drive drainage project has involved detours and extensive infrastructure work over the last 18 months.

The work will be performed by contractors retained by the city and is scheduled to begin June 22. The re-paving is expected to last six weeks. For the majority of streets, the rehabilitation work involves milling off the top 2 inches of existing pavement and then installing 2 inches of new pavement.

The public works web page will provide daily updates on where the work is occurring. New Britain Paving Management Program.

View the 2026 Citywide Milling and Paving Map

Map shows streets in Ward 4 where re-paving will occur this summer (DPW)

At its April 8th meeting the Common Council authorized use of $2 million in the current budget for milling and paving work this year using state town aid through the Local Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP). Contractors selected through the state’s cooperative program include Tilcon Connecticut of New Britain ($1,775,000) and Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming of Bloomfield ($225,000).

*Map shows streets on lower east side in Ward 2 area slated for re-paving*

— Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara. john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov

Council to Review Budget with Department Heads; May 15 is Deadline for Elderly Tax Relief

The Common Council will hold three meetings (May 5,6,7) to review the Mayor’s proposed budget for the July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.

City departments under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) will be reviewed Tuesday, May 5. The Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee (AFLPS) will continue the review on Wednesday, May 6. The AFLPS Committee will devote the Thursday, May 7 meeting to the school district budget with the Superintendent and Board of Education. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 27 West Main Street.

COMMON COUNCIL UPDATE

The proposed $272,512,376 from Mayor Bobby Sanchez calls for level spending that keeps the property tax mill rate flat at 39.18. The current year budget is $273,492,952, only $19,424 less than the new one.

In presenting his first budget to the Council on April 15th, Sanchez said that his budget is “without cuts to services or city staffing, achieving savings with work for greater efficiencies” and prioritizes “investments in infrastructure, quality of life and neighborhood improvement.” On education, the mayor raises the Minimum Basic Requirement (MBR) in local school aid by $1 million to $129 million to establish a sustainable path to school funding without resorting to one-time, non-operating funds not immediately available to the Board of Education. The flat funding of the MBR in previous years has resulted in New Britain ranking near the bottom in local aid.

As deliberations move forward on the city budget a substantial boost in both education aid and town aid was adopted by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Lamont on May 2nd that will increase revenues by $17,063,809, including $13,292,120 for schools and $4,671,689 in the municipal budget. The increases will be added to the estimates proposed by the mayor for 2026-2027. The estimate of $72,360,710 in state aid for education will increase to $85,652,830, an 18.3 percent increase over what was appropriated in the two-year state budget adopted last year.

The 132-page newly formatted budget book from the Sanchez Administration contains departmental overviews and summaries of proposed expenditures and revenues that more clearly explain allocations and revenues than General Fund budgets of previous years when a 315-page spreadsheet document was provided. Appendices provide a line-by-line breakdown.

Following subcommittees’ review, the municipal budget will be sent on to the Common Council for final action and adoption.

Property Tax Relief Deadline is May 15 for Elderly Homeowners

Eligible individuals and couples age 65 or individuals who are permanently disabled have until May 15 to apply for property tax relief under the Connecticut property tax circuit breaker tax credit program.

The law applies to homeowners or persons who hold a tenancy for life if their 2025 incomes did not exceed $46,300 for single/widowed individuals or married persons with incomes of $56,500 or less.

Eligibility to apply is based on the Grand list of Oct.1, 2025 and ownership, according to the City Assessor’s Office. The Assessors office or the Senior Center may require all other proofs of income that may be necessary for the certification of the claim (Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street 860 826-3553). Applications are available at the Assessor’s office or the Senior Center.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2025 or over 18 and permanently disabled. Your 2025 income cannot exceed $56,500 if you’re married or $46,300 if you’re single/widowed. Applicants must provide the Assessor’s office (27 West Main Street) or the New Britain Senior Center with a copy of your 2025 federal income tax return if you file one, and a copy of your 2025 Social Security 1099 form.

John McNamara is an Alderman from Ward 4 and the Common Council Majority Leader.

http://nbpoliticus.com/2026/05/03/common-council-to-review-budget-with-department-heads-may-15-is-deadline-to-apply-for-elderly-tax-relief/

Property Tax Relief Deadline is May 15 for Elderly Homeowners

The law applies to homeowners or persons who hold a tenancy for life if their 2025 incomes did not exceed $46,300 for single/widowed individuals or married persons with incomes of $56,500 or less.

Eligibility to apply is based on the Grand list of Oct.1, 2025 and ownership, according to the City Assessor’s Office. The criteria include:

You or your spouse must have been at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2025; or you must be over 18 and permanently disabled.
You must be a permanent resident of the State of Connecticut. The property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
Your 2025 income cannot exceed $56,500 if you’re married or $46,300 if you’re single/widowed.
You must provide the Assessor’s office (27 West Main Streeet) or the New Britain Senior Center with a copy of your 2025 federal income tax return if you file one, and a copy of your 2025 Social Security 1099 form.
The Assessors office or the Senior Center may require all other proofs of income that may be necessary for the certification of the claim (Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street 860 826-3553). Applications are available at the Assessor’s office or the Senior Center.

Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara

john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov | 860-416-0665

Common Council Update: City Upgrades Cyber Security, Recognizes Earth Day & OKs Road Paving Funds

Common Council OKs New Cybersecurity System

The Common Council appropriated funds for new cybersecurity services at its April 8th meeting in the wake of a January “ransomware” attack on the city’s information technology operations.

Approved was a three-year agreement with Cowbell MDR (Managed Detection and Response) for information technology (IT) systems at City Hall as part of the restoration and upgrades being implemented by the Sanchez administration since the January 28th attack. The City IT network was breached paralyzing phones and computers across departments. Officials said emergency services were not impaired, only internal systems in the municipal government. The city is providing credit monitoring and identify protection services for employees. To date “the scope of any potential impact remains under active review.”

Immediately after the incident on January 30th, Mayor Bobby Sanchez announced that the IT department responded to contain damage. “We are working closely with state and federal partners, law enforcement, and outside cybersecurity expert. to investigate the incident and restore systems safely and securely,” Sanchez said.

According to the April 8th resolution introduced by Council President and Ward 5 Alderman Francisco Santiago, Cowbell MDR “is a fully managed detection and response service that provides continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response across endpoint, identity and cloud applications.” The MDR “gives 24/7 visibility into potential threats and support to investigate and contain issues before they escalate.”

The Cowbell MDR system aligns with security improvements deemed necessary by the city’s cyber insurance coverage and includes a “$25,000 breach response fund” with the acquisition that adds “an extra layer of protection operationally and financially.” The Council authorized the city to engage the Cowbell MDR service with a three-year agreement at $66,000 a year, funds available in a maintenance contract account in the the Department of Support Services.

New Britain Recognizes Earth Day 56; Re-Commits to Sustainability, Environmental Protection

The city’s commitment to preserving natural resources and sustainability was affirmed this month with a resolution recognizing Earth Day. April 22nd marks the 56th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with mobilizing environmentalists to start Earth Day in 1970 after a disastrous oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA and unchecked air ans water pollution. The movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ward 3 Alderwoman Candyce Scott introduced the resolution that “promotes conservation, energy efficiency and
the study of the use of clean energy sources” in municipal government and throughout the community. It notes city actions in recent years to promote conservation including use of solar at the New Britain Water Treatment facility and school buildings as they come up for modernization. The city is also updating its zoning ordinances to reflect environmental concerns when new developments occur.

The resolution encourages partnerships among local businesses, schools and organizations to help raise awareness of preserving the environment and preservation of the city’s parks and open spaces. Toward this end the city in recent years has begun to adopt zoning changes that minimize the risk of flooding amid climate change and to ensure new developments and uses of land promote sustainability.

The renewed local commitment to environmental protection comes as the White House and Congressional Republicans have moved to gut protections and discourage use of alternative energy sources in favor of fossil fuels. Groups such as Third Act Connecticut, an organization of older Americans founded by Environmentalist Bill McKibben, are mobilizing locally on environmental and democracy issues.

Funds for Summer Road Paving Approved

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be announcing streets selected for the annual paving program soon with funds appropriated by the Common Council this month. A total of $2 million is available from the state town aid program and an additional one percent in the city budget for roads.

Under the state’s cooperative purchasing program Tilcon, Inc. has been awarded $1,175,000 for bituminous concrete materials and installation and Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming another $225,000 for the milling and repaving. According to the DPW the Pavement Management Programs is typically based on assigning roads a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) value in selecting the limited number of the city’s 165 miles of roads that can be upgraded each year because of the limitation of funds. In lieu of re-paving, patching and sealing addresses potholes and other problems on a case-by-case basis. The 2026 schedule is expected to be posted online to alert residents with daily reports on progress during the warm weather months.

Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara is the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john.mcnamara@newbritain.ct.gov and 860-416-0665

City Seeks $5 Million Grant for Allen Street Stormwater Project

from http://nbpoliticus.com — Publication date February 22, 2026

City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades.

The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million to add to state and local funds already identified for implementation, Mayor Bobby Sanchez said.

On January 21st, Sanchez and Public Works Director Mark Moriarty held a meeting to update residents and Ward 4 alderpersons with a new plan to finance the project that included the LOTCIP grant program that is funneled to towns through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.

New Britain and other communities receive annual LOTCIP entitlement funds in local aid packages to make street and infrastructure improvements, including the street paving program. The grant for Allen Street would be over and above the regular allocation that totaled $1,515,489 in 2025. The CRCOG-LOTCIP program entertains larger projects in the central CT area.

The project encompasses 3,500 feet of roadway improvements and utility upgrades from Oak Street down to Beacon Street on Allen Street. According to the plan developed for the city by Cardinal Engineering, an existing 24-inch storm drainage pipe will be replaced with new piping ranging in size from 48 to 66 inches. The existing 12-inch sanitary pipe will be replaced with a 24-inch pipe and a water main will also be replaced. Roadway reconstruction will include new curbing, sidewalks and driveway aprons in the project area.

*Existing conditions on Allen Street between Oak and Stanley streets. (Dept. of Public Works)*

Since the summer of 2023 a dramatic jump in flooding from extreme weather led to a public outcry in New Britain, especially from residents in the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Drive and Allen Street neighborhoods. The public pressure eventually led to new plans and capital funding for Allen and Overlook where extensive damage occurs. The city addressed flooding at Overlook and McKinley, a $2 million project, with remaining federal American Rescue Act funds last year.

Roxbury Road resident Frank Chase, hit hard by flooding to his home, has led efforts to secure infrastructure funding and mobilize support for project implementation.

City officials are counting on the $5 million CRCOG-LOTCIP grant request to be the catalyst for project implementation. The financial plan introduced in January seeks to raise $18 million in local, state and federal funding. Other sources of funding either committed or sought include:

$6 million in local funding committed to date
$2 million from CT Urban Action Grant from state bond commission to date (2025)
$960,000 US EPA State Bond Request with $239,938 local share
$4 million water infrastructure federal funding application.

John McNamara is a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader.

Allen St. Infrastructure Update

Officials Provide Update On Allen Street Project to Upgrade Stormwater System

Mayor Bobby Sanchez and the new city administration have made long overdue stormwater and sewage upgrades a priority for the Department of Public Works.

The project plan and new financing initiatives were shared at a January 21 City Hall meeting.